Article handling machine



Oct. 27, 1953 J. P. MURDOCH ET AL 2,

ARTICLE HANDLING MACHINE Filed Jan. '7, 1949 12 Sheets-Sheet l fizz/anions John P Murdocfwi fllberUFaaZha ber F \g; 145 bgiheifflmmelj WAiW J. P. MURDOCH ET AL ARTICLE HANDLING MACH INE Oct. 27, 1953 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. '7, 1949 1720692206: John P Mrdoch A; flZberZI Faalhaber NW N CHQ i Oct. 27, 1953 J. P. MURDOCH ETAL ARTICLE HANDLING MACHINE Filed Jan. 7. 1949 12 Sheets-Sheet 3 Inven75rs J67m P Murdoch &. A fllberl I Faalhaber by ZheirflZZvfneg s WA W l2 Sheets-Sheet 4 J. P. MURDOCH ETAL ARTICLE HANDLING MACHINE 6 fave/223m: John P Murdoch K1.

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Oct. 27, 1953 Filed Jan. 7. 1949 Oct. 27, 1953 J. P. MURDOCH ETAL 2,656,656

ARTICLE HANDLING MACHINE Filed Jan. '7. 1949 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 .(Trw-rzivrs: 21 John P Murdoch 50 flZbcfZJ. Faulhaer J. P. MURDOCH ETAL ARTICLE HANDLING MACHINE Oct. 21, 1953 12 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Jan. '7. 1949 Oct. 27, 1953 J. P. MURDOCH ETAL ARTICLE HANDLING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Jan. 7. 1949 fiwenzns uWm 7? Mitrdoch &

241567? .I Faalfzab er by 272617" fifiomeyj W W Oct. 27, 1953 J. P. MURDOCH ET AL 2,656,656

ARTICLE HANDLING MACHINE Filed Jan. 7, 1949 12 Sheets-Sheet 9 Oct. 27, 1953 J. P. MURDOCH ETAL 2,656,656

ARTICLE HANDLING MACHINE Filed Jan. 7, 1949 12 Sheets-Sheet l0 Oct. 27, 1953 J. P. MURDOCH ET AL 2,656,656

ARTICLE HANDLING MACHINE Filed Jan. 7, 1949 12 Sheets-Sheet l1 JHHHHHW. I1.

N Irzuenfor5= 6 John P Murdoch 81 i1 fllberlli'aalhaber by iheir fl'ztomeg MAW Fig. 8 is a fragmentary plan on a reduced scale, of the conveyer and vibrating mechanism;

Fig. 9 is a transverse section, as seen at 9--9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a perspective detail showing the forward mounting of the vibrating walls;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary sectional detail of the fixed mounting for one of the vibrating walls;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary perspective of the inner terminus of the feed conveyer showing the vibrating wall and surrounding structure;

Fig. 13 is a perspective detail showing one of the tilting tables; I

Fig. 14 is a perspective showing the folded carton;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged sectional detail of the carton magazine base and transfer arm, as seen at [5-45 of Fig. 2 but with the transfer carriage in a partially advanced position;

Fig. 16 is a perspective on an enlarged scale showing the carton magazine, transfer mechanism, and opening mechanism;

Fig. 17 is a perspective showing the bottom of the carton transfer member with a folded carton in position thereon;

Fig. 18 is a section as seen at iii-18 of Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a perspective of a portion of the top of the transfer mechanism shown in Fig. 17, but

with the carton removed;

Fig. 20 is a sectional detail on an enlarged scale as seen at 20-20 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 21 is a perspective showing the carton of Fig. 14 in an unfolded or open position;

Fig. 22is an enlarged perspective detail show- .ing one of the guide plates and pushers, together with their supporting structure;

Fig. 23 is an enlarged fragmentary detail as seen at 23-43 of Fig. 4, showing the guide plates and the operating linkage therefor in position to receive a batch of doughnuts;

Fig. 24 is a view similar to Fig. 23 but with the mechanism in the position in which the doughnuts are ejected from the guide plates into the carton, as seen at 2424 of Fig. '7;

Fig. 25 is a fragmentary detail showing the mechanism in a moved position from that of Fig.4;

Figs. 26 and 27 are views similar to Fig. 25 but on an enlarged scale and showing successive moved positions of the filling and ejecting mechanism;

Fig. 28 is a fragmentary detail showing a portion of the structure of Fig. 5 in a slightly moved position;

Fig. 29 is a View similar to Fig. 28 with the apparatus moved still farther;

Fig. 30 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 5

of a modified form of machine;

Fig. 31 is a wiring diagram for the electrical control system; and

Fig. 32 is a schematic view of the discharge conveyer and the electrical switches for stopping the machine in the event that the cartons are not removed as fast as they are packed.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises an upper conveyer belt which feeds the doughnuts or other objects to be packaged into six, or any desired number of, longiaccommodate two doughnuts thereon is positioned at the termini of each channel formed by the vibrating walls. Each trap door is provided with one sidewall and a top which assist in preventing the doughnuts from becoming jammed,

and also in preventing the doughnuts from tilt-,

ing or jumping up in any way. When two doughnuts are properly positioned on each door, a trigger switch positioned at the back of the door is engaged by the forward doughnut so that when all six trigger switches have been depressed, there must be twelve doughnuts on the various doors. Immediately preceding the doors, there is stationed a hold-down or clamp in each channel that is intended to retain succeeding third doughnuts in each channel from interfering with the free operation of the tilting tables. The holddown clamps are actuated in timed relation to the mechanism so that clamping action occurs only at the time the doors are opened and does not interfere with the desired forward movement of the doughnuts in the channels.

At this point in the cycle of operation, a pulsing or testing switch closes a circuit which is connected to each of the trigger switches for the individual trap doors. In the event that every trigger switch is not closed, the machine will stop automatically in a manner to be described more fully hereinafter. When all the trigger switches are closed by the pair of doughnuts on each trap door, the doors are opened by pivoting along a longitudinal axis to dump the twelve doughnuts into six chutes separated by a partition to provide twelve passages which serve to position the doughnuts on end in two rows of six, side by side. While the twelve doughnuts are thus being selected in this manner, a folded cardboard box or carton has been advanced from the bottom of a magazine into a position in vertical registry with the twelve doughnuts. A pair of box openers unfold the boxes, whereupon the plates on which the doughnuts are resting are lowered and pivoted on a horizontal axis to open the opposite Walls of the carton and to compress the doughnuts edgewise against each other. Suitable action of the mechanism serves to compress the rows of doughnuts endwise and to move them along the plates into the carton. The filled carton is discharged onto any suitable means for removing it, such as a conveyer belt, and the box openers and their associated mechanism are retracted to repeat the cycle.

In the event that the folded carton is not properly opened, the machine is stopped by means of a pair of trigger switches similar to those described above but which are actuated by the sides of the carton as they are unfolded. In a similar manner, suitable stations on the carton conveyer may be located to stop the machine in the event that the cartons are not removed from the conveyer fast enough.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the feeding mechanism of the machine comprises an endless conveyer belt 35 mounted on forward roll 36 which is in turn journaled in the frame members 31 and 38 by bearings 39 and 40 respectively. The conveyer belt 35 is sufficiently wide to accommodate six rows of articles to be packaged, which in the present instance may be doughnuts 4!. The doughnuts are guided into six rows by means of a plurality of-vertical, longitudinally extending walls 42, 42 (Figs. 8-11) which are pointed at their forward ends and secured to a cross bar 43 by means of brackets 44,

as shown in Fig. 10. Cross bar 43 is supported at each e'n'd by=-a-paiir of rollers li, 45 and lias 45a mounted on vertical bracket 46. The cross bar 43, together-with the walls 42, 42*-*may-be vibrated rapidly from sideto side by means --of a suitable electric-motor 41 which-drives apitman arm 48 connected to thecrossbar 43'bypin 49. The walls 42 are formed of thin sheet metal and bent ina ll-shaped configuration-as-shown in-FigsnQ and 10. The opposite endspfth-e wallsfl arerigidly attached to lower cross plate 50 by means of pins "or rivets l 7 (Figs -11and12).

is-provided with a forward-pointed edge adapted td-receiveand separateall dough-nuts from the conveyer-helt 3'5. 'We have found that thevibratin'g walls are important in preventing doughnuts *frombecom-ing' jammed in the -channel's,--a condition that may occur the evsiritthat-several doughnuts of relatively'smalldiameterenter one of'- the channels successively. -Roof 50a (Figs. 5- and 12) comprises 'a flat, transverse mem-lzoer positioned substantially midway "between feet 66 and t-he trap doors-'55,--to lee-described more fully "hereinafter. Should the third doughnut 4l"=be slightlyfarther advanced than is shown in Fig. 5, thereof 50a will prevent-excessive tiltin of the doughnut when pressed bythe foot 66. Thus,

continuityoffeed-is assured.

In alignmentwitheaeh channeland on the --opposite side ofthe-plate 50;there isa tiltingtable "-ortrap door*5'5 which is pivotally actuated'by "means of shaft- 55 journaled in U-shaped 'i-rame "member --51,suppor'ted on one vertical frame :member 58 and =members- 31,-3l, and retained :aaxiallyi therein by means :of lco'llars' F 59 159. Each -...trap door has :one :lateralwa-ll .60.-.which in turn supportsa top. or cap portion afill .which. iaflared supwardlmatl'tz toifacilitate receiving the doug huts-fromconveyer belt135. .ltiwillube understood that the construction :ofi. the various trap doors 55 sis identical except tha'tthey may be designed. to :tilt 'in opposite directions, iasushown-clearly in lEig3 4.

Each trap door155hhas. associated therewith a olimit or trigger switch .53 {having an actuating garm 54 and plate 65uattached thereto in ,such a manner ,that whenwa pairof doughnuts =I4l;:ls isproperly;;positioned on trapdoor 55,; plate :65 of switch-5G3 acts as a forward wall forrthedough qjznuts; .and ;.plevents them from mowing farther fonward on. thetrap door.

Whemall sixtrap doors 5, 55 have'been loaded .iwith;.twomdoughnuts so that 1 their associated eswitchesp-fl fiiiihave been opened, a clamping -foot:65. whichimay if;desired,:have two sections --6.6a=.andiB6b is pivoted to lightly retain'the third 'EdQughnutM'.on plate50 in each channel. In this way,--any possibility that threeidoughnuts would :becomezpositioned on trap doors 55 or any cspossibilitya thatuthe third doughnut could :become awedged in the .doorzor. the cover 6|,1is avoided.

riIhe conveyer :135 I is driven by motor'fllthrough -snarus1, electrically controlledclutch fiii, gear box 'fi9 'which -may 'beof the speed reduction variety, shaft -m spro'cket TI, chain 12, and-sprocket 13 mountedon the forward conveyer roll 35.

"The remainder of the movable mechanismis driven frommainmotor" which isprovided'with va variable speed reduction unit "15. Motor 14 andvariable speed reduction unit 15 .aremounted on frame member "16. "Shaft. 11 from the motor "lsjournaled on 'theframe at 18 and carries a sprocket ls-which drives sprocket 80 through 6 -whichalso. carries the cams and actuattngedo vices for the trap doors 55 .(F-igsfiii andwtGL The trap door shafts 56,-56 are provided with a' plurality of cranks- 84, 84 and 85,- :85'.1(Fig. '!7) 5 Cranks 84, 84, 85am connected to -lshafts551m such a manner that they dependabe'low thezcenters of their associated shafts, whereas =cra-nks "84% 84'585 are connected in such a wawthatthey extend above thecenters of the other three'shaits.

" Cranks B5=and -85' are rigidly: secured toithetwo inner shafts andare pivotallylconnectedutozeach other by -means of a: tie link- 86. Cranks-L84 ,11'54' and-.85' are also pivotally connected by means one, tie'link 81, whereas cranks fll, 84 andzai are W- 15 otally connected by means of a' tie link 88 whicmis "extended topivotallyreceive'ashort link :It -will:be apparent from FigJfl thatwhen linktfliis displaced horizontally as seen in the figureg-rth'e various shafts -'*5G-are= rotated to tilt theiriassociated trap doors 55, thus permittingthe c'ioughnuts to fall from the-doors. Three trap doors will tilt in one direction,-whereas "the other three'ttmp doors will tilt inthe :oppositedireetionduetouthe angular position in which the cranks al enattached to their associatedshafts.

Actuation of links 81 and 88 is achieved by means of a bell crank'Bll pivotallyconnected to link" 8 9 and rigidly attached .to .shaft 9 l whichriis journaled in frame members 58,58 and retained as axially therein by means 0f'collars ai gflzv'migvzl.

The end of shaft 9| opposite crankafl isprovidejd w'ithan arm 1 93 and a =camfo'llower 94 iadaptedito make intermittent contact -with mam 95 flxed -to shaft 82. 'The trap doors and their associated linkages are normallyretained .in the flat or closed position shown in Fig. 2, by means 01511911031 extension spring 86 (Fig; 79 which urges cranke85 against the limit stop 91. The cam -follower zfl does not engage cam' a5 except'whenthe liftxpor- 43 tion of the cam rotates in'a-positionto contact means of a 'ball and socket joint Inland-themed HJG is l in turn pivoted: to a rocker 'armk 108:;by "means of pin-109. Rocker arm I08 is journaled on shaft I In which is mounted in. one -'framemem- -ber' 58 and bracket l ll (Fig. 2). A helical extension:spring I I2 connects pin I-OB to the frame mem-ber -fill 'as shown in Figs i, :aridirin the normal position is so adjusted to maintain the clamping feet 66 in the-raised attitude of Fig. 2, in which position the limit stop I05 abuts'bracket M2.

Actuation of the-rocker arm I118 is-achieved by means of an adjustablestop I I3 adapted to-reciprocate up and=down in a; manner to :be described :more fully hereinafter.

When trap doors 55 are tilted=as-:-shown in ifilig.

4, the doughnutsoneach-door=fa1l into twelve "individual chutes which are formed as two "rows -of dual-chutesll5, H6, H1, l i8, H 9, and l20. These chutes are constructed; to receive ;the doughnuts as they are tiltedsubstantially-90 7 and to position them in two Tows of si'x -each -so that pairs of doughnuts are-axially positioned side by side andtransversely positioned edge -to edge. The 'upper configuration of,-the"wal1si2l -'forming the tops ofthechutes is of importance chain 8|. 'SprockettBO is mounted-on shaft-82 and it will be noted that each inside chute "wall 50' and form an extension of walls 65.

is extended forward to dovetail in the U-shaped portion of the corresponding wall 42 of the channels (Fig. 12). In addition, the walls I2I are curved upwardly at a radius only slightly greater than the radius of the corners of the caps El with respect to the centerlines of shafts 55 of the trap doors, so that when the doors tilt, the

corners of the caps have a close working clearprovided with a fiat flange I23 which supports plate U'together with the walls 42, 42 as shown -;in Fig. 12. However, it will be noted that plate 50 extends rearwardly over the flange I23 a sufficient distance to overhang the trap door 55 when in the raised position. This construction likewise insures freedom from jamming.

Furthermore, the walls 42 extend beyond plate The length of the trap doors 55 is such that two doughnuts of maximum diameter can be contained on the door with ample clearance for dropping the doughnuts into chutes II5-I23.

Likewise, the length of the doors must be such that under no circumstances would it be possible for three doughnuts of minimum diameter to become positioned on the door with suilicient clearance for all three to drop into the chute. In practice, we have found that the most desirable length for the doors should be approximately 2 /2 to 2% times the diameter of the average article (doughnut) when the doors operate for a pair of articles at a time. Then, even though the third doughnut should extend partially over the chute, it willbe retained on plate 55 by means of the clamping feet 65 and the cutaway wall (50 will not then interfere with a partially overhanging doughnut. Nevertheless, the length of the cutaway together with the fact that the trap door base extends under plate 55, is ample to carry the second doughnut regardless of how small or how large it may be.

Referring now to Figs. i and 5, the doughnuts when dropped from doors 55 are caught by a pair of plates or trough forming members I25 and I26 which are pivotally attached. to a vertically movable cariage I2I by means of pins I28, I28 (Fig. 22). When the plate members I25 and I26 are in position to receive a batch of doughnuts, they are tilted at an angle of approximately 45", as shown in Fig. 5. The chutes I I5-I2G are separated transversely by means of a stationary partition I29 which substantially bisects the chutes so that as the doughnuts fall from tables 55, one doughnut from each door must drop on either side of the partition I29. In the position of Figs. 4 and 5, the doughnuts .have been counted and collected preparatory to insertion in the cartons.

It will be understood that the dimensions of articles such as doughnuts vary within certain limits even though the batter from which the doughnuts are fried is closely controlled. Therefore the mechanism for handling the doughnuts or similar articles must be so constructed that there is no interruption or jamming, regardless of whether a succession of maximum sized articles occurs in the machine or whether a succession of minimum sized articles occurs in the machine. In the present instance, the clearances are sufficient to accommodate the largest possible doughnuts when received in pairs and at the same time the clearances eliminate the possibility that three doughnuts could be deposited in the chute at the same time, even though the three doughnuts were all of minimum dimensions. A similar problem is encountered in the compressing and filling parts of the mechanism since here again ample clearance must be provided to accommodate the largest possible doughnuts which might be handled.

The manner of handling the cartons and in positioning them to receive the dozen doughnuts shown in Fig. 4, will now be described. Fig. 14 shows the folded doughnut carton I as it is fed into the packaging machine. A supply of cartons I35 is stacked vertically in magazine I36 (Fig. 2) and may if desired, be compressed by weight I31. The bottom carton rests upon a plate I38 (Fig. 19) which is provided with a pair of ears I39, I39 on the top of plate I38 and near the forward corners thereof. The ears I39 assist in unfolding the carton I35, as will be described more fully hereinafter. The width of plate I33 is substantially less than the transverse dimension of carton I35 and the length is shorter than the longitudinal dimension of the carton. Plate I38 is however, attached to or formed integrally with a wider plate I in such a way that plate I43 overlaps plate I38 to form an abutment I II of suitable height for removing a single folded carton from the stack in magazine I35. Plate I is integrally secured to a reciprocating carriage I42 mounted at one end on a rail I53 and at the opposite end in a groove I44 formed on frame member I45. Carriage I52 and plates I38 and M0 is achieved through a long pitman arm I45 pivoted to carriage M2 at Id'i' and to crank arm I48 at I49.

Crank arm I43 is keyed to vertical shaft I53 which is driven through meshing bevel gears I5I and I52, the latter being mounted on horizontal shaft I53 which is mounted in bearings E54, I54, journaled to frame member I55. Shaft I53 also carries a sprocket I5! driven from sprocket I58 on shaft 82 by means of chain I59 (Fig. 6).

As carriage I42 is moved to the left (as seen in Fig. 16) on rail Hi3 and frame member I45,

the bottom carton which is resting on plate I38 is ejected from underneath the stack of cartons in magazine I36 when the forward edge I4I of plate I engages the edge of the bottom carton. Cover plate I60 engages the folded sides of the carton as it is conveyed from beneath the magazine I36 to retain the folded sides in proper alignment to engage the box openers IGI and IE2. As the carton is being transferred from the ma azine I36, it is essential that proper alignment and engagement with the box openers IBI and IE2 be accomplished. In the first place, the ears I I39, I39 serve to partially unfold sides I35a and I35b so that these sides will be in the positions shown in Figs. 17 and 18. Frequently the sides of the cartons are pressed so tightly against the bottoms of the cartons that the sides will not naturally unfold when the pressure of the superimposed cartons is relieved. This slight upward curvature given to the bottom of the carton raises the sides I35a and I351) to the proper position for engagement with the openers IEI and I62. As the carton is farther advanced into the openers, it is also desirable that the leading edges of the openers clear the transverse edge I63 of side I350 of the carton. This result is accomplished by means offia spring "finger IGI and I62 as thecartonis advanced;

Further movement of thecarriage .I42:.serves;. to. position. the. box 1011. the,oppositely disposedtbox holders I65. and I68.whichare formed: fronr; angular pieces having horizontal flangesd daiand; I66a.. Theflanges I65drandz:l66a extendinwa-rdly; to support the edges ofthe.cartonsll351imthe= clear. space underneath the carton; between. the

sides of plate I38" and the.transverseedgestofthe" cartons, as seen clearly in Figs. 16 and.:20.. Continued operation ofthe. machine servesto pivot box openers I6I and I62-so that :thersides-NS-a and I351) of the box are raisedin the'direction; of thearrows shown in1Fig..20.. Thebox openers. are-mounted on rods IIi'I' and Ififl, journaledsinr; frame member 58a, and. retained..- therein; axially. by means of collars I69, 569.. Shaft Ital-extends.

through frame 58a and has attached thereto a bellcrank I19 which carriesa cam follower Ill operatively associated with cam. I'I.2.. Shaft. I61 is similarly journaled in frameilla andcarries a'cam follower I13 which cooperates with cam 114;" Cam I14 is mounted. on shaft 92 which is driven by chain BI and its'associated sprockets;

whereas cam I12 is mounted on shaft I15 which. is-driven by spur gear I'IRmeshing with spurgear I'II onshaft 82.

' When-the box l is moved to. the-opening station as described above, support for the box is transferred from plate I38 to the holders I65, I as shown clearly in Fig. 20. The holders I65; I66 are adapted to pivot outwardly to the position shownin: Fig. 27, to permit the box when filled to drop vertically downward onto any convenient means for removing the filled cartons such as conveyer belt I mounted on roller I8I (Fig; 2). The box holders I55 and I66are support'edby and welded toshafts I82 and. I83 respectively, which arein turn journaled in frame members 58a, 58a and retained axiallytherein b'ymeans of collars I94, I84-(Fig. 5). The shafts I82, I83 each carry crank arms'IBS, IBG'which are operatively associated with cams I 81, I 88 through c'airr followers I89 and I99 (Fig. 6).

respectively so that actuation of the box holders occurs in the proper timed relation with respect to the actuation of the other mechanism. I

It will thus be understood that while the doughnuts or articles are being counted and col lected in chutes l I 5-429 as described: heretofore, the'boxes are being positioned below-the chutes; andthe sides of'the: boxes opened: so that the doughnuts m'ay beinjected into theboxes; Since riage by a pair. of modified Scotch yoke; drives from...shafts.82 and I'I5. Rollers I93, I93.are.

carriedby crank arms I94, I94: keyed tothe ends ofshaftsfi'l and I15, which extend through iour nals. I95, I95 mounted onside frame 58a (Figs. 5 and 6'). The;rollers1I93,1 I93oscil1ater;in.h0r+

zontal yokes I96, I96--which may be-rdetachablyi I64 :mountedgon cover: plate I69 in such-a: positions that. edgepl GBQwill :be depressed sufficiently toxpass underneath openers.

The. carriage I 21 moves ;foot 213. is mountedon crossplate ZIdebymeamsr 10 mounted on the carriage- I2I1or. formed..,inte+ grally therewith.

A. pair of movable lateral pressure plates. I91, I98 are mounted on rods. I 99,. I.99.and.290,- 209.:

; respectively at'teachside: of the carriage, and;

horizontalsliding. action of the: rods I99 andlllll: with. respect to carriagel 21 is attained byamea-ns.

of a pair of cam rollers 29I and ZOLZsUDDOIted:

on brackets .293. and. ZMwespectively, which .:are in-turnattached.to rodsuI99 and-2IIIL The cam rollers 2M, 292 run in vertical.tracks@295,- 298a in". brackets .III, 298; Thepath ontrack 295; 295.15 such that when carriage; I2! is in therarsedposition, the plates I91, I98rare withdrawn out wardlyas shown invFig. 4; and as the carriage. is. lowered, the pressure plateseare movedin wardly towards .each.other (as shown in the. broken: lines in; Fig. 4) to. receive and compress the doughnuts.

Referring ,nowi-especiallya to :Figs. 22-24, plates: I25, I26 .areattached bywelding: to a bracket member'Z I9 having apair of upwardly extendingarms 2I9a and:;2l0b;.in which are securedishafta H I, 2II by means .of.'nuts 2I2, 2I2. A...pressunei of bracket 2Il5 andzthe foot assembly isslidahlein a generally verticalqdirection onrods:.-2I I;=;.2"II.;. Plate I26 may beslottedsalong:itssupperiedgesati 2 I B and 2 Izl to accommodaterbracket:2152 when:

-: in the extreme'downwardsposition. .Plates I25;

and 129 are mountediim the:carriageaiorcpivotal. motion only with respect:toztheicarri'agel; The angularity of. this pivotal motionisi'controllediby means or a suitable linkage; shownwini- Figss; 23:

I and 24 whichcompriseslapairiofixshorttlinksl 218i and 2 I9 pivotally connected: to the t-baokxzedgestof plates I25 and IZBwbymeans: 10f pinsr2-29randr22t a respectively. Links 1 2 I8zand-a 2 I91: are; connected? at their oppositexendsrby'means;or.;pim222 which" also extends through a; slot 229 inv z. stationary bracket 22.4: Thevpositionvof .tlinksi2I1Bi and 219:? when the carriage isin .its uppermostlimitirofi travel,v is. showminrEig-i 23in Links; Z'I' Bdand 121 9: are substantially horizontal. andspiir 22 his. at the: top ofslot 223: This servesrto tilt theplatesil25r and I 26 to provide in. effect: atrough having-flat? sloping sides. In the-downwardpositiom links; 2I 8 and 2I9F controb thenpivoting; motion 10f plates: I25 and I26 on pins I28 so thattheywaresubstanetially vertical, asshownrin :Fig; 24: Inrthis position pin 222. is at uthe zbottom' of slot i223randrthei bottomedges-125w and: I26c: of the: plates ihawes. opened out IlhBnSidESa-OPZCMZEOH I35;

The feet 2 I 3, 2 I3 are actuated partially-:byi

pivotalamovement of ;plates. I2.5 and I261; wi-tlr respect tolthe carriage? I 21 andzthe timing of the: movement of feet 2I3'is achieved-by means of rods-225-andi225' attached tothe plateslby meansa of knuckle jointss22'land -22-I' at their-upper ends;- and to crank arms-229randr239'by ,meanstof: knucklejoints23l and 23I' at their lower endsls It will be understood thatrthedstructurei de-- scribed. above in connection with plate I26; is: identical with.theoopposite-platd I-25r and it is.-

1; therefore believed unnecessary;to-repeattthis description. However, thereference numerals as sociated. with plate I25. are primed .to correspondwith the similar. structurerof the opposite plate.

Crank: arms 229 and. 230-:arekeyed tol a; hori zontal shaft 233 journaled-on the'.-ra'memem-- here 234; 23Mat 235+and236; Shaft 233-is--re-- tainedaxially bymeans-of collars 2 3'1, 231:(Fig..l) Shaft 233.extends beyondJournaL-Hi-and carries a. pairof crank, arms-=239andd2.39:which are.

3 adapted to follow:cams.I 2.40 m. 2M respectively through cam followers 242 and 243. This construction provides positive actuation of the presser feet 2I3, 2I3' through shaft 233 and the design of the cams 250 and HI is such that the feet ar positively depressed and raised by means of the cams. This avoids the use of any springs so that the mechanism cannot become jammed should a spring break.

In operation, the plates I25 and I26 begin to tilt from the trough position of Fig. 5 but at the same time carriage I21 is lowered so that the edges 2I3a and 2I3'a of feet 2I3, 2I3 just clear the sides I22, I22 of the chutes II5-I26. Fig. 28 shows the carriage I21 in a further downward position and just before the rods 225 and 226 have begun to slide plates 2M, 2I4 downwardly on shafts 2H, 2H. Fig. 29 shows the mechanism of Fig.28 in a still farther advanced position. Here the feet 2I3, 2I3 are about to engage the tops of the doughnuts, and plates I97, I98 have compressed the doughnuts sideways to the proper dimension for inserting them in the carton. In this connection, it will be noted in Fig. 29 that the plates I91, I98 are bifurcated to fit under the center partition I29a and extend upwardly on either side thereof. Fig. 25 schematically illustrates the above-described compression of the doughnuts and also shows that in addition to compressing the doughnuts themselves, it is necessary to move them to a position in which they press against each other after they have been dropped from the chutes. 7 Figs. 26 and 29 illustrate how the edges I25a, I26a of plates I25 and I26 engage the sides of the carton I35 and expand it so that the doughnuts may be dropped therein. In the position of Fig. 26, the doughnuts have been compressed to the proper dimension for insertion into the carton. At this point in the cycle, the feet 2I3, 2 I3 are rapidly moved downwardly to engage the tops of the doughnuts and inject them into the carton. At the same time, the holders I65 and I66 are pivoted by means of their associated shafts I82, I83 so that continued downward movement of the feet 2 I 3, 2 I 3 serves to eject the filled carton completely from the machine onto the conveyor belt I80, whence they may be carried or transported to any convenient location for further wrapping, if desired.

The electrical system used for detecting any condition which should require the operators attention, will now be described. There are three locations at which suitable detecting elements are located for the purpose of insuring proper functioning of the package handling system. The first location is adjacent to trap doors 55, and for this purpose the switches 63, 63 are placed in such a manner that each switch will be closed when the proper size or proper number of articles have been deposited on each trap door. The switches 63 are provided with horizontally extending arms 64 and abutments 65 which are so controlled in length that pressure against abutment 65 serves to close the switch 63.

The second station at which it is desirable to provide detector switches, is shown in Figs. 20, 26 and 2'7. It will be obvious that the machine must be stopped in the event that the cartons are not unfolded at both sides. Therefore, stationary plates 244 and 245 are provided with micro-switches 246, 246 which have actuating buttons 241, 241 extending horizontally towards the center of the box holding structure and located in such a position that the buttons will not contact the box openers I6I and I62 when they are raised, but will be actuated by the side of the box in the event that the side is properly engaged in each box opener. However, if for any reason one or both of the box openers does not unfold its associated side or does not unfold it sufficiently to actuate both buttons 241, 24'! and thus close the micro-switches, the entire driving mechanism for the machine will be stopped in accordance with the operation of the wiring circuits, to be described more fully hereinafter.

The third station at which it is desirable to provide detector switches is seen in Figs. 31 and 32 which show a pair of detector switches 246, 249 (preferably of the micro-switch type) positioned in spaced relation with each other along conveyer I80. The arrangement of switches 24B and 249 is such that the spacing between the switches is more than the width of one carton of doughnuts but less than the width of two cartons, as shownin Fig. 32.

As the cartons travel on the belt I80, each carton successively opens the normally closed switches 258, 245. However, the spacing of the switches is such that they cannot both be opened at the same time by means of only one carton. In the event that the cartons back up on the belt to the switch station, two consecutive cartons touching each other will then contact both switches simultaneously to hold them both open. This condition will in turn shut down the motors before the filled cartons have an opportunity to back up to the loadin mechanism and cause jamming.

Referring now to Fig. 31, the main switch 250 is connected to a source of power 25I by means of suitable lines, when switch 256 is closed, current flows through lines 252 and 253 to the main motor I 4 and through normally closed solenoid switch 254. At a point on any part of the rotating mechanism just prior to tilting of trap doors 55, a testing switch 255 is located which is adapted to be closed by means of a suitable cam or lift on the rotating surface which in the present case may be bracket 255 on cam 24I. As the doughnuts are fed onto trap doors 55, 55, it will be understood that the six detector switches 63, 53 will be closed when there are two doughnuts on each trap door. When the machine reaches the point in the cycle just before the time when the trap doors 55 are to open, cam 256 will open switch 255, which is a normally closed switch in a holding circuit, through lines 251, 258, solenoid 259, lines 256, 26I, 252 and 263, back to line 264 from main switch 259. When switch 255 opens either one of two conditions may exist: first, in the event that the machine is operating properly, all switches 63 will be closed, whereupon solenoid 265 is energized to close both switches 266 and 26]. When switch 261 closed, switch 268 will remain closed since solenoid 259 continues to be energized through lines 269 and 266 instead of lines 263, 262 and 26I when switch 255 is closed. It will thus be apparent that switch 268 is not opened even though switch 255 is opened, so long as all switches 63 are closed and consequently switch 267 is closed. The other condition occurs in the event that one or more switches 63 is open when switch 255 opens; then the current to solenoid 259 is out, which permits switch 268 to open. When this occurs, the holding circuit to motor solenoid 270 is broken through lines 2II, H2 and 212. The opening of switch 2'54 automatically breaks the circuit to the main motor 74 in line 252 and at the same time applies brake 213 through de-energization 13 of its; associated holding solenoid; 214: It; will thus be understood that when switch 255;- is opened.at:theproper:timein; eachcycle; andxbefore the trapdoors 551areto be dumpedionly the motor 14 will be stopped in thezevent that all; of: the switches are not. closed.-

Solenoid :2 B 5 also operates: switch 26 6 i which. is.- closed whensthelastzswitch 63 closes; The-closing-of switch ZSB-zserves itohenergize so1enoid215iwhich controls clutch'tii, thus disengaging the;- clutch and: stopping the conveyor 35. Clutch 68" is spring-loaded and when-no current flows through solenoid 21.5, the=clutchis engaged. or in driving positionwith respectitormotor- 41'. The purpose of thisarrangementis tostop the 10011"- veyer automatically when all the trap. doors; 55 v are filled and to prevent the-conveyer from again, moving until they are unloaded. It isespecially: important in handling fragile articles, such as doughnuts which: may also b sugar, coated, to avoid" if possible: any scraping or wiping of the articles onrthe conveyor belt which WOllldlOCClalI in theevent that the articleswereunable to move ahead and the belttcontinued to run. Thus; as: soon-as the last trap' door is filled, thereby'closing-its associated switch.63; the conveyer will stopthrough disengagementof clutch 68i byzenergization of solenoid 2l5which in turntakes. place through lines :216; normally closedjogging switch 211,'line218;and'1ines 219, 280 and 28! which connect to the.- main 1ines.251 and 266. However, in the eventthat testing switch 255 is opened and all switches 53. are not closed; motor 14 will stop as described above, but the conveyer- 35 will continue to move due to the fact that solenoid 215 is'not energized; This action per= mits more doughnuts to be fed onto the trap. doorsuntil they are all filled; whereupon the last-switch 63 is closed, which in turn energizes solenoid 265-t restart-motor ld and'continue the packaging-operationwithout any danger of skipping a carton Naturally, as-soon as-the trap doors are opened or tilted," the pressureiis relievedfi from-switches63s0 that-they return to theirlnore mally open position whiclr in turnopensswitches 266 and 261" through de-energizationof solenoid 265.

The detector switchesa248i andi249 operatewin: conjunction with a testing switch 282;:which is in all respects similar to switch; 255 and located? ad-jacentxth'eretow (Figr l) andpris :also actuated: by cam 256:. Both switches 248aanctz249 are-note mally closed, asshown'rin Fig. 32; and thus-complete a holding: circuit a, through; lines 263,1 2152 284;: 285, 286;:solenoid;:281; 1ine 28B;- an1d;3line 2,892v

baclcztothe mainlines251 (and-25 i: This: hold- I ing: circuit; retains: switchis 29flrimnormallyr-closedw position and: switch 291 in; anormally opened;

position by means of g solenoid 281.7v Switch {2905\- is; inserieswithswitch 2 68- and must be ,-closedt in order tov retain: the motor"- solenoid: 2-1 Openergized in a manner similar: to that'described in: connection with switch'268 SW-itch r-ZE 1 however; is; in the conveyor circuit to; clutch 63 and: is normally'open to keep conveyer clutch: 68? enaged. Switches 248fandwl49iare connectedim parallel so that the: circuit to. solenoidy28-1 will? not' be broken as long, as either one of the switchesfis' closed. However; inrtherzevent that;

both switches are opened byreason of therebeing being: two adjacent -boxesonthe conveyor I 80, then". when" switch i 232 is' openedi-bypcam- 256, solenoid; 281 ."Will be derenergized since: all con-1' nections= between 2 lines 288 and; line- 2 63 either through switcha 248,; switch 249;;eonwswitch; 282,-

14 arewbrokem Deeenergizationiotrsolenoimllhime mediatelyvopens switch-:2 Skitmstop motor-5114mm; to; applywbrake: 2:13Lthmughu deeenergization: or: solenoid 21 74. This; :aelsocenergizesssolenoid 2 did disengagez,.clutch- Ssh-and stopcconveyez 35.1

The opener;detectingi circuit1cerium-isles.athe twozboxzopener rdetectorzsmtches 24 to 2:16: "which areconnected: serieswithzeachntherr: .Therthint testingrswitchaZfl hiss-located tovibecopenatediby a, earn 296 mounted on cam I14 at a point such that cam 29.6twillzopeniswitckr295'imn1ediately followinggthex time,:whemthewboxopeners" 1-61 1 and'i I321 havezreached the pointz-of-maximumzlifti Inithisi position gboth SidEStDfthBEbOXi if.;properlysopened;v havecactuatedwwitches524M215? towcloseisthe cira cuit through-i1ines.:29:1, 23.8eand 2'99. Sincerswitclr 295' is; connected: in; parallel with switcheszcufii and!'1through:linesrflmandzm l itcwiilh'eiam parent that :1 even though testing; switch: 21951": is openicurrentzwi'l'l flow-from;linen2tilr =througleliner 289: whemboth switches 2 46;- ;24 are :closed: 299i-is.:connected toggsolenoid:3B2ithrough as none mailycclosedestonswitch1303i switchy3 M5: lines 3B5: and-.396; andfrom thence :back= to;-1in.e Her-through: u line 301', tor;cormtrleterithesenergizing circuit: for; solenoid-302.21. Thusz-itrwil'l :bie seem thatgso long: as: current flows through? line: 239;; solenoid 1332 will be -energized. to? retaimswitchw30mc1osed; switch: 3:08;;closed andjiswitclrz3fl9 opera; Switch 3ll8-risxim a seriesawithswitchesmifl :and 2190r in the control circuit for" motor r14-,,,whereas:switchsziiBBris in the: conveyorrcircuitytor solenoid": 2:1 5:. Thus: it: will: beseenth'at'with switch 308icloscd3and switchafililh open;v motorsfH-landz 41 :operate the: apparatusiasr M described r above. However; in the zevent'ztthati' either: switch; 246:; or 2166' is? opencewhen testing switch 295.-is openedrhyicamfififiysolenoid 382 bade-energized tozstombothw. motor: 1.! aandcicom' veyort3ituntilisuclmtimeasibotlr'sides of aircarton; are properlyropened :bm the: homopenersrandzthe starting switch m is momentarily closedimanually;

Even thoughwswitch 250;;is closed; the. machines will not: startuntilspring loaded;- normally open 1 L5, switch- 310 :is :momentarily: closed. Thisyclosing of-iswitch r3lll'rpermits energizationof? solenoid 302t-through lines 305;;31 312-, 299,. 301, switch- 295; and-linesowt-anddfia unless,=;of:course;the machine iscstoppedrwithgcarrm 96::holdingrswitolr m 295 opem. ASiSOQIl assolenoid 3t2sisaenersizedzbyi starting switch? .3 I 0;; switch 30.4 is closed to come plate: the :circuit :whenwswitchz 1 3 I 0 s is. open. Stop: switch;383-;is:so locatedz'that ifsopen-y both motor; thandconveuor 35'willzbe stopped. as previously. described,

" Thewarious testingand-detector;switchesumay, be; ;by -passed by: means of; jogging 1 :switch 2 1 1 i so r that 'bothrtherconveyor and. the motor Mimay' be operatediregardless; of the-position: of:- cams; 253

f) and 296. doggingru1 switch, 211 r is connected to solenoid-215 through=line-2l8zandrto*solenoid 210 through-line 313.1

Itiwill beoumierstood that :thewpresent embodi ment loft-our apparatus:iswprimarilyadapted to fill cartons-with objects such-iast-doughnuts inatwm rowsof six doughnutsreach: However, a it will; beapparent that manywvariationsr OIuthe: exacta structure-may;be-madeein order-tohandle aawidevariety of articles ltsisscontemplatedfl that the:

m machineiwillobeuseful-in1handlingwmanywsbakeryv V ands: foodv productsssuch; asmrolls,t rhuns, cookies, and crackers Furthermore, it will: find :applicae W tionin:fillingdarge-nontainers with= smallerrpack ages otfi productse .fons examples, crackers, which:

; customarily are wrapped in squareboxessconiiainw ing approximately half a dozen crackers. It will be understood that the machine can be readily used to handle many items other than food products. These may be collected and counted by means of the conveyor and trap door mechanism without actually being packaged in any way. The size and shape of container contemplated is in no way limited to the particular carton shown. A boat, box, or any type of container may be used.

It is also entirely possible to vary both the number of articles that are simultaneously packaged and the manner in which they may be inserted into any suitable container. There may be a single row comprising any desired number of articles, or two or more rows of 2, 4, 5, 6 etc. articles in each row. An illustration of only one modification of the machine that may be readily made, is shown in Fig. 30. In this embodiment, chute 340 has been narrowed to eliminate the central transverse partition I29 and the chute may be provided with sides 34! and 342 having any transverse or longitudinal spacing that may be desired. In the event that rows of articles 343 are to be handled, longitudinal partitions 344 may be provided. The other mechanism for counting and depositing articles 343 in chute 340 may be identical with that previously described. Likewise, the actuation and operation of plates I and I26 in this case will be identical as will also be the actuation and operation of the single foot 2l3. Advancing end Wall 65, together with concurrent cutting away of top 6| and side Bil, will permit the use of a modified trap door structure such as 55'. Alternatively, the entire trap door 55 may be shortened. It will be understood that the dimensions and number of chutes may thus be varied over a wide range in order to accommodate the specific articles to be handled.

Having thus described our invention,

We claim:

1. In article handling machinery, a frame, a plurality of doors mounted on said frame, said doors being arranged in spaced relation to each other and adapted to swing from a normally horizontal position, means for supplying articles to said doors when horizontally disposed, a. chute associated with each door and adapted to receive one or more articles from the doors and to retain said articles in an upended position, a retaining member spaced from each door and secured thereto, said doors being positioned to receive the articles between the door and the retaining member for positively turning the articles received by the doors from a horizontal position to a vertical position as the doors and articles swing through an arc of substantially 90, means for swinging said doors, and means at the bottoms of said chutes for collectively removing the upended articles therefrom.

2. In article handling machinery, a frame, a plurality of doors mounted on said frame, said doors being arranged in spaced relation to each other and adapted to swing from a horizontal position, a side for each door, a top for each door, said top extending in vertical spaced relation to the upper surface of each door and substantially parallel thereto, means for supplying articles to said doors when horizontally disposed, a chute associated with each door and adapted to receive one or more articles from the doors and to retain said articles in an upended position, means for swinging said doors, and means at the bottoms of said chutes for collectively removing the articles therefrom.

-3. In article handling machinery, a frame, a plurality of doors mounted on said frame, said doors being arranged in'spaced relation to each other and adapted to swing from a horizontal position, a side for each door, a top for each door, said top extending in vertical spaced relation to the upper surface of each door and substantially parallel thereto, an upwardly flaring front on said top portion, a chute associated with each door and adapted to receive one or more articles from the doors and to retain said articles in an upended position, a side for each of said chutes extending above the top of the chute and in spaced relation to the door and top thereof to form a compartment in association with each door structure, said chute side being arcuately formed in proportion to the swinging radius of the door and top thereof, means for swinging said doors, aand means at the bottoms of said chutes for collectively removing the articles therefrom.

4 111 article handling machinery, a frame, a plurality of doors mounted on said. frame, said doors being arranged in spaced relation to each other and adapted to swing from a normally horizontal position, means for supplying articles to said doors when horizontally disposed, said means terminating at a forward edge of each door, a clamping member positioned over the article supplying means at the terminus thereof, said clamping member being adapted to momentarily retain an article from being dropped by the doors, and means for actuating said clamping members in timed relation to the swinging of the doors.

5. In article handling machinery, a frame, a plurality of doors mounted on said frame, said doors being arranged in spaced relation to each other and adapted to swing from a horizontal position, a side formed integrally with each door, a top formed integrally with said side and extending in vertical spaced relation to the upper surface of each door and substantially parallel thereto, a conveyer for supplying articles to said doors, the top surface of the conveyer being in substantial registry with the top surface of each door, a plurality of wall members supported over said conveyer for guiding articles onto the doors, means for supporting the wall members at a point near the terminus of the conveyer, means for movably supporting the walls at their opposite ends, and means for vibrating said wall members transversely of the conveyer.

6. In article handling machinery, a frame, a plurality of doors mounted on said frame, said doors being arranged in spaced relation to each other and adapted to swing from a horizontal position, a side formed integrally with each door, a top formed integrally with said side and extending in vertical spaced relation to the upper surface of each door and substantially parallel thereto, a chute associated with each door and adapted to receive a pair of articles from each door, a partition in each chute adapted to separate the articles when the doors are swung downwardly, a side for each of said chutes extending above the top of the chute and in spaced relation to the door and top thereof and forming a compartment in association with each door structure, and means for swinging the doors to deposit an article in each chute section.

7. In article handling machinery, a frame, a plurality of substantially vertical chutes mounted in said frame, means for depositing a predetermined number of articles in said chutes, a pair of horizontally pivoted plates adapted to 

